New law in Georgia gives bicyclists more space

Bicycling on Georgia roadways became a bit safer last week after lawmakers passed a new traffic law.

The legislation, which went into effect July 1, requires all cars and trucks to be at least three feet away from bicycle riders when passing them.

In an interview with the Associated Press, Frank McIntosh of the Savannah Bicycle Campaign said the legislation was needed because the previous law was too vague, requiring motorists to keep a "safe distance" from cyclists.

"The law didn't say what a safe distance was, and some of these big ol' trucks, you'd think they believed it was 1 inch when their mirrors go whisking by your head," said McIntosh.

However, nearly a week after the law went into effect, cyclists tell local television news station WXIA that they haven't noticed much of a difference in the amount of space they're being given.

"In the cycling community a lot of people knew about this new rule, but otherwise, I don't think anyone's really gonna know that it exists," said 15-year-old cyclist Tim Barrett in an interview with the source.

Though policies vary from insurer to insurer, bicycles are usually covered under a home insurance plan. Cyclists may want to consider this when hunting for insurance quotes.